Everton star Jack Grealish, on loan from Manchester City, violated an obscure FA rule during his side’s 2-1 Merseyside derby defeat to Liverpool at the weekend. The rule in question pertains to the wearing of jewellery during a match. Despite expressing dissatisfaction with referee Darren England for booking Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall for taking a quick free kick and for adding just three minutes of stoppage time at the end of the match, Grealish may be thankful that England did not spot his necklace.
According to FA Law 4.1, all forms of jewellery, including necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, leather bands and rubber bands, must be removed before stepping onto the pitch. These items are strictly prohibited, and even covering them with tape is not permitted.
The FA mandates that players should be inspected before the start of the match and substitutes before they enter the field of play.
If a player is spotted wearing jewellery, the referee must instruct them to remove it or ask them to leave the pitch if they are unwilling or unable to comply. If the player refuses to comply or wears the item again, the referee should caution the player.
Men’s jewellery specialists CRAFTD outlined why this law remains crucial. “A necklace can catch on another player, get pulled, or strike the wearer in the face during contact, causing cuts, strangulation risk, or other injury,” they assert.
“There is also a risk of injury to others as sharp edges, pendants, or chains can scratch, cut, or bruise opponents in tackles or aerial challenges. Jewellery can be a great accessory, but when you’re playing a contact sport like football, the smartest move is to take it off.”
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Had Grealish received a booking for failing to remove the necklace, he would have been dismissed at the final whistle following his caution for protesting with England. There is no indication that Grealish significantly violated the regulations or declined to remove it if/when the referee noticed him wearing it, but the Everton player may not be so fortunate next time.
Both Liverpool and Everton return to action in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night. The Reds welcome Southampton whilst the Blues travel to struggling Wolves in the third round.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk